“Are you okay?” he questioned Nancy as she bent over coughing.
She shook her head in an up and down motion, indicating a yes. Watching her writhing in pain, Bennet turned back to the man cradling a smashed nose.
“You son of a . . .” Bennet seethed, punching him again.
Walter fell to the ground and Bennet proceeded to kick him in the ribs.
“Bennet, stop!” Earl yelled, running up. “What the hell are you doing?”
Bennet stopped his assault on the man and backed up a few steps. Walter was crying as he bled from the attack.
“He hit Nancy,” Bennet explained.
“Is that true?” Earl wondered.
“Yes,” Nancy replied, finally regaining her composure.
“Then he got what he deserved, but let’s not kill the bastard,” Earl barked.
Bennet picked Walter up and pushed him down the line of tents.
“Get out of here and don’t ever show your face around here again,” Bennet jeered at the man. Returning to Earl and Nancy, he asked her again, “Are you alright?”
She let out a deep breath and looked at him with tears in her eyes. He went and held the woman. Earl watched them for a moment before approaching.
“Bennet, what’s going on? Three gunshot victims came into the med center. We lost two,” Earl explained.
“Cassidy came back into town. She blew Erika’s cover and some federalist refugees tried to take her out. I’m rounding up the family,” Bennet explained.
“Oh, that’s just great,” Earl asserted. “Guess things were just a little too calm around here for once.” His face distorted into a look of annoyance.
Bennet ignored the man’s protests and released Nancy from his embrace.
“Nancy, do you know where Daniel is?” Bennet asked her.
“No, he left after lunch with his notebook,” Nancy replied, realizing Daniel could be in danger.
“I didn’t see him at the medical center,” Earl commented, easing Nancy’s mind.
Bennet noticed Sgt Walker passing by the row of tents. Even with his missing leg, his gait was smooth and he walked with purpose.
“Sgt Walker,” Bennet cried out as the canvas obscured him from sight.
His head popped back around. “1st Sgt,” he saluted as he approached and greeted Bennet.
“Can you escort Nancy back to the base. I’m going to find Daniel,” Bennet commanded.
“Yes, sir, I sure can,” Sgt Walker replied, offering Nancy an arm to wrap hers around.
“Earl, if you want to bring Kay to the base we can protect you,” Bennet offered.
“I may send Kay over there, but I’m needed at the med center,” Earl insisted.
“I understand,” Bennet replied. “Watch your back.”
“I will,” Earl responded. He looked very perturbed that he would even have to do such a thing.
“Nancy, go with Sgt Walker and find Erika. I’ll be back as soon as I find Daniel,” Bennet told them.
The group split up, destined for alternate locations. Bennet continued down the row of tents. He was headed to Greg and Penni’s. Bennet knew Daniel and Carmen were like brothers and could often be found together.
“1st Sgt Bennet. I didn’t expect to see you today with all that’s going on. What brings you by?” Penni wondered as he approached. She was busy crushing up eggshells she collected from the mess.
Bennet surveyed her work curiously.
“What are you doing?” he wondered.
“I’m making powders for vitamins. Word is, whether we’re fighting or not, we’re headed north soon. This camp produces a lot of scraps. Why not use them to stock up on nutrition for the road?” she asked.
“Sounds like a great idea to me, Miss Penni. Have you seen Daniel around, by chance?” He changed the subject, focused on his mission.
“Because Erika’s identity was uncovered?” Penni asked.
“Yeah, I need to make sure he’s accounted for. I thought maybe he was with Carmen.”
“Carmen said he hasn’t seen too much of Daniel since we got into town,” Penni explained, continuing her assault on the dried eggshells.
Bennet stood there for a moment pondering the situation.
“Where’s Carmen at?” Bennet wondered.
“He’s out playing soccer with some of the boys from his morning classes,” Penni replied. “Daniel won’t be there. He won’t even tell Carmen where he goes. Says he’s painting portraits.”
“Did you talk to Erika about this?” Bennet wondered.
“Erika’s chasing her own demons right now, Bennet. She’s been just as aloof since we got here. Sure, we have breakfast together, but that year on the run changed them,” Penni expressed her concerns.
“They went through some hard times, that’s for sure,” Bennet agreed.
“You don’t just pop back to the way you were before after that,” Penni told him.
“Well . . .” Bennet declared, turning to leave. “I’ve got to find Daniel. Let me know if you hear anything.”
“Will do, Patrick. Take care of them,” Penni told him, placing a new pile of shells into the grinder.
“I always do,” Bennet replied.
Perplexed on where to proceed next, he headed towards the homesteaders’ gate. It was about time for Dexter to get off his rotation. He found Dexter and Johnny talking with James Creed at the gate. Trucker wagged his tail, watching Bennet approach.
“1st Sgt,” the boys acknowledged with a salute.
“Is my mom okay? I heard about the shooting,” Dexter asked him.
“She’s fine, Pvt Moore. Do you know where your brother is?” Bennet asked.
“No, sir,” Dexter replied, developing a concerned look like his grandmother had.
“Do you know where he’s been going after training?” Bennet prodded.
“When I was on tower rotation he used to sit by the incoming line and draw caricatures for the refugees. It really cheered him and them up,” Dexter explained.
“Was he with someone? Did he have any new friends?” Bennet asked, making the young man think.
“There was this old guy that came by. He was far too well dressed and groomed to be a refugee. He talked with Daniel for a long time, admiring his artwork,” Dexter remembered.
“An old guy who’s into artwork? You must be referring to Master Rowan,” James suggested, listening in on their conversation. “He lives at the far end of the houses, and I believe he did mention a new student.”
“Thank you, James,” Bennet replied. “You two head back to base and take that mangy mutt with you,” Bennet teased.
Trucker whined at the insult but followed Dexter. James chuckled at the interaction but didn’t understand its true reference. Bennet thought back to the long, dark tunnel that he crawled through behind that dog. The animal had the worst gas, and it made the miles of crawling almost unbearable.
As he walked he marveled at the simplicity of the homes within the community. The people here wasted nothing. Rainwater collection systems and intricate graywater irrigation systems obtained and utilized every drop of water to the maximum. Solar panels, windmills, and even turbines in the irrigation systems powered the homes.
Bennet approached the door to the last home in the cul-de-sac and knocked. There was no answer. Bennet knocked again and waited patiently. There was still no answer. Scratching his head in confusion, he thought he heard the sounds of swords clashing in the distance.
Curious, he made his way around the rear of the home. There was a tall wooden fence barring his view but the sound of water flowing and swords clashing grew louder. Bennet kept skirting the fence until he found a wooden archway. He stood in the middle, taking in the view. The courtyard looked like it belonged in Japan. A pond lined a pagoda with two people engaged in battle. An old man watched from an elevated position on a deck that adorned the back of the home.
One of the two men fighting with the sword was a black man with short, scruffy hair. He l
ooked powerful and talented. The other combatant was a boy with sandy brown hair. He was half the size of the black man, but he strategically weaved and artistically danced his way defensively across the floor.
The old man noticed Bennet’s dominating frame in the archway and summoned him forward. Bennet used a pathway to navigate the pristine courtyard. As he neared the pagoda he noticed the small combatant was Daniel. He paused for a moment in awe of the boy and then continued forward up the stairs to stand by the old man on the deck.
“Hello, sir,” Bennet greeted him.
“Hello, 1st Sgt,” the old man replied, studying Bennet’s uniform. “What can I do for you today?”
“I came for Daniel,” Bennet replied.
“As you can see, he’s busy,” the man told him.
“I see that. Very impressive stuff, sir,” Bennet agreed, turning to watch the boy.
A sense of pride filled him, and he smiled, watching Daniel using some of the moves Bennet taught him. Mr. Rowan sat quietly, analyzing Bennet’s demeanor towards the young man.
“He’s a natural,” Mr. Rowan finally said.
“I had no idea,” Bennet replied.
“All I did was connect the dots from the brush to the sword, and the boy took right to it,” Mr. Rowan explained.
“He still has to come with me,” Bennet insisted, turning his attention back to the old man.
“Has he done something wrong?” Mr. Rowan inquired.
“He’s the son of Erika Moore. We were hiding her here but now her identity is known. Daniel could be in danger,” Bennet explained.
“I know whose son this boy is,” Mr. Rowan revealed.
Bennet looked at him curiously.
“You think he’d be safer in a military base than here?” Mr. Rowan protested.
“I don’t mean any offense, sir, but I need to have the whole family accounted for,” Bennet insisted again.
“And how do I believe your story?” Mr. Rowan inquired.
“Ask Daniel who I am and if he trusts me,” Bennet replied.
The old man stood from his seated position.
“Students!” he commanded the combatants.
They halted their practice and faced Mr. Rowan. Daniel’s eyes widened when he saw Bennet standing there with his instructor.
“That’s enough practice for today,” he continued.
They exited the pagoda and used a small footbridge to cross the pond and join the men on the deck.
“Hello. Frederick Tillson,” the black man said to Bennet, introducing himself with an extended arm.
“1st Sgt Bennet,” he replied, shaking Tillson’s hand.
“What are you doing here, 1st Sgt?” Daniel wondered.
“Your mom’s identity is out. People took shots at her outside the homestead gate. We’re rallying the family into the compound,” Bennet explained.
“Oh, great,” Daniel grumbled, wiping the sweat from his brow. “Let me get my stuff.”
“Don’t dilly-dally,” Bennet commanded.
“I won’t, sir,” the boy replied as he went into the home.
“Are you satisfied?” Bennet asked, turning to Mr. Rowan.
“I am. He’s a good kid, a magnificent artist, and a passionate fighter. Forgive me for being protective,” Mr. Rowan said apologetically.
“I respect your caution, sir. Wouldn’t ask for anything less. I care deeply for that boy and his whole family,” Bennet admitted.
When Bennet and Daniel reached the homesteaders’ gate, it was still chaotic on the other side. Large amounts of refugees were still arriving. The lines to join the resistance forces were long. The endless sorting of individuals seemed to go on and on.
“I never knew you could fight like that, Danny,” Bennet told him.
“I never knew I could either. Master Rowan hasn’t just taught me to fight, though, he’s taken my art to a whole new level,” Daniel said dreamily.
“How long have you been going there?” Bennet asked, wondering how everyone missed it.
“Since the night of the concert,” Daniel admitted. “Aren’t we going to the tents?”
“We’re moving your tents, along with Cassidy’s and the high brass, to the old training field in the back of the base. We can’t keep everyone secure out here,” Bennet explained.
“Safety fences. Gotta love them,” Daniel said sarcastically. He spent too much time behind them in the past.
They found Vince and Erika settling into their new tent. Earl and Kay were not happy about the move.
“Vince, I have to go through three checkpoints just to get out of here. You’ve traded one prison for another,” Earl complained. “You need to take your family and head north with the other refugees.”
“We can’t, Dad,” Vince explained, “Did you see what happened out there?”
“Yeah, they ended up in my medical tent. You both need to rethink your roles here. I’m not sure how much longer I’m going to subject your mother to this,” Earl threatened.
“You do what you gotta do, Dad,” Vince retorted.
Earl left in a fury as Bennet and Daniel approached.
“What’s wrong with grandpa?” Daniel asked Erika.
“He’s not happy with the move,” Erika told her son. “Where have you been?”
Daniel looked at Bennet. “Well, go on and tell her,” Bennet encouraged the boy.
“I met a man. His name is Master Rowan. He has an art studio and teaches sword fighting. He’s been teaching me about art and training me with the sword,” Danny explained.
“Really?” Erika asked. “I thought the clay paints on the rocks was a pretty hokey excuse.”
“Yeah . . .” Daniel said, feeling embarrassed.
“You could have told me. That sounds interesting and I’d love to meet him,” Erika told him.
“Maybe that’s why I didn’t’ tell you, Mom. You’re so . . . so. . . great and everyone is enamored by you. I guess I wanted Master Rowan all to myself,” Daniel admitted.
Erika felt awkward, as everyone overheard Daniel’s comment and looked to Erika.
“Thank you, Danny, but you know art really isn’t my thing. I’d love to see what you’re working on, though.” Erika stumbled over her words.
“And you should see this kid with a sword,” Bennet boasted.
Daniel blushed at the comment.
“My little bro, the ninja master,” Dexter chimed in, making Daniel turn an even brighter shade of red.
Johnny popped his head into their tent.
“Dex, can I talk to you for a minute?” he requested.
“Sure,” Dexter agreed, exiting the tent.
Finally settling into the new accommodations, Dexter returned as the family was readying for bed.
“What was that about?” Erika wondered, noticing Johnny’s strange demeanor earlier.
“Johnny and I are going out on the next scouting party,” he explained.
“You two better be careful,” Erika warned, snuggling in next to Vince.
She thought it was strange that Dexter grabbed his sleeping bag and slept next to Daniel. They used to sleep with one another all the time, but Dexter had told Daniel he was getting too big for that. She wondered what changed his mind as she drifted off to sleep.
Chapter 19
It was still dark when Dexter gently woke Erika up in the morning.
“I’m leaving, Mom,” he told her softly.
“What time is it?” Erika asked as she roused.
“It’s before 0500,” he answered. “I just wanted to tell you how much I love you before I go.”
Erika was taken aback by the look in his eyes.
“You’ll be back in a couple of days, right? Before we go to Denver?” she asked curiously.
“That’s the plan,” he replied. He went to say something else, then hesitated. “I love you. I gotta go.”
“Okay, buddy, I love you too,” she told him, hugging him tightly.
She watched him go and hug his fath
er who roused from his slumber as well. Dexter told him that he loved him, and Vince groggily replied. Then Dex went and hugged Daniel and Star tightly as they slept. He called Trucker to him, and they scurried out of the tent flap.
“He’s off on his scouting mission?” Vince asked as he rolled over and watched Erika staring at the canvas doorway.
“Yup,” Erika replied, concerned.
“Don’t worry, he’s been on dozens of these before,” Vince told her.
“There was a look in his eyes, Vince,” Erika told him.
“Dexter has a good head on his shoulders. He’s with Johnny. They’ll be okay,” Vince assured her.
“Maybe I am just being paranoid,” she replied, turning around and snuggling into Vince’s body.
Vince went back to sleep, but Erika couldn’t. She lay there quietly contemplating the upcoming missions. She pretended she was asleep when Star rose to head out for her morning kitchen duties. Erika wanted to let everyone sleep as long as they could. She knew the days coming up would be long. It would be less than a week before they were leaving for a battle she might not walk away from. Or he might not walk away from, she thought, snuggling tighter into Vince’s warmth.
The ground rumbled softly. Erika realized it had been a while since the last time she felt a quake. Sneaking out from Vince’s side, she slipped on her uniform and exited the tent. The morning air was hazy, and a strange green tint glowed ominously in the clouds.
“Good morning,” Nancy said, exiting her tent.
“Morning, Momma,” Erika replied. “Sleep well?”
“Not really,” Nancy replied.
“Still can’t decide what to do?” Erika wondered.
“I think I may go north with the caravan. You guys are going that way after Denver. I could go south to be with Brett, but who knows when we would see each other again.” Nancy shared her concerns.
“I know, Mom,” Erika replied. She was as unsure as Nancy. There was no guarantee they would survive to meet her up north.
“Dexter came in and gave me a hug this morning,” Nancy informed Erika. “He doesn’t usually do that.”
“I thought he was acting weird too,” Erika relayed her concerns. “Vince said I was probably just being a worrywart.”
The Changing Earth Series (Book 5): Dark Days in Denver Page 13
